EXPOSURE TO SEXUAL CONTENT ON TELEVISION LINKED TO TEEN PREGNANCY

For the first time, a new study links teen exposure to sexual content on television with pregnancy. In "Does Watching Sex on Television Predict Teen Pregnancy? Findings from a National Longitudinal Survey of Youth," researchers used data from a national survey of teens, ages 12 to 17, to assess whether exposure to television sexual content predicted subsequent pregnancy (girls), or responsibility for pregnancy (boys) over a three-year period. Teens exposed to high levels of televised sexual content (in the 90th percentile) were twice as likely to experience a pregnancy during the three-year period, compared to teens with lower levels of exposure (10th percentile). Limiting teen exposure to sex in the media and balancing portrayals of sex with information about possible negative consequences might reduce the risk of teen pregnancy, according to the study authors.

FEARS OF HIV TRANSMISSION BY INFECTED PARENTS OFTEN BASED ON MISCONCEPTIONS

A new study found that while a prevailing theme in families with an HIV-infected parent was fears about transmitting HIV in their households, many of the fears were based on misconceptions about how the disease is actually transmitted. In “Fears About HIV Transmission in Families With an HIV-Infected Parent: A Qualitative Analysis,” researchers conducted interviews with 33 HIV-infected parents; 27 minor children, ages 9 to 17; 19 adult children; and 15 caregivers to investigate their fears about HIV transmission. Many parents expressed fears about transmitting HIV to their children and contracting an opportunistic infection while caring for a sick child. Some minor children, adult children and caregivers also feared HIV transmission from the parent. Often, the reported fears – such as shared bathroom use, kissing, and shared food/beverages — were based on incorrect information about how the disease is transmitted. The study authors recommend that pediatricians and other clinicians assist families in understanding how HIV is transmitted, and how it is not, and establishing household practices and rules to prevent transmission. 

UNLICENSED TEEN DRIVERS ASSOCIATED WITH RISKY BEHAVIOR

One in 25 U.S. 9th, 10th, and 11th graders drive at least one hour a week without a driver’s license, according to the new study, “Unlicensed Teenaged Drivers: Who Are They, and How Do They Behave When They Are Behind the Wheel?” Researchers surveyed 5,665 teens on driving behaviors, including whether or not they drive without a license. Unlicensed drivers were less likely to wear seat belts, and more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and report trips without a purpose. There was no direct correlation between license status and car crashes. However, according to the researcher’s analysis of federal data, unlicensed teens are more likely to be involved in a crash that is fatal. Unlicensed drivers were more likely to live in rural or central city districts and to report lower grades in school. Of the unlicensed drivers, one-fourth (28 percent) had taken a driver’s education class, and one half (50 percent) reported that their parents were helpful in their quest to learn to drive. The study authors recommend additional research to better understand the barriers that prevent teens from successfully completing driver’s license requirements.

PARENTS OPEN TO ALCOHOL USE SCREENING IN PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Most parents are open to being screened for alcohol problems during routine pediatric visits for their children, according to a new study. In “Parental Alcohol Screening in Pediatric Practices,” parents at three pediatric clinics (one urban, one rural, and one suburban) completed anonymous questionnaires containing demographics, two alcohol-screening tests and items to assess parent preferences as to who should perform the alcohol screening, their acceptance of screening, and preferred intervention strategies if the screening results were positive. A total of 101 out of 879 parents screened positive on the alcohol screening tests. While parents with a negative alcohol screen were more likely to report that they would agree to being asked about their alcohol use, over 75% of parents with problem alcohol use were open to alcohol screening in the pediatric office setting, and intervention recommendations. To treat their patients optimally, pediatricians must acknowledge the potential adverse effects of parental alcohol use on children and address the issue with parents during office visits.

CHRONIC PEDIATRIC MEDICATION USE ON THE RISE

Chronic medication use by children – across all medication categories evaluated – continues to rise each year. In “Trends in the Prevalence of Chronic Medication Use in Children: 2002-2005,” researchers reviewed prescription claims data for more than 3.5 million commercially insured children, ages 5 to 19. During the four-year study period, the prevalence rate for type 2 antidiabetic agents doubled. Asthma medication use jumped 46.5 percent; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medication, 40.4 percent; and antihyperlipidemics (used to lower lipids/cholesterol), 15 percent. The study authors recommend additional research on the factors influencing these trends, including growth in chronic disease risk factors, such as obesity, and greater awareness of and screening for chronic disease in children.

VIOLENT VIDEO GAME USE PREDICTS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE U.S. AND JAPAN

Regular child and adolescent violent video game use early in the school year predicted later aggressive behavior in both the U.S. and Japan, according to a new study.  In “Longitudinal Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression in Japan and the United States,” researchers monitored the behavior of more than 1,200 students in Japan, ages 12 to 18, and 364 U.S. students, ages 9 to 12.  The study results were similar: habitual violent video game play early in the school year predicted later aggression. The more the children played violent video games, the more physically aggressive they became. The study authors recommend reducing child and teen use of violent video games.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: In a related study, “Linkages Between Internet and Other Media Violence With Seriously Violent Behavior by Youth,” exposure to violence in the media – including games and music – is associated with concurrent reports of serious violent behavior.]